INVESTIGATION

The rot in the Public Service Commission: part one

By Moepeng Talane In a recent newsletter distributed by his office, President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned the differences between honest and dishonest public servants, claiming that although the public service has become known over some years more for dishonest conduct, there is still hope for restoring its image and confidence in its mandate.   He was commemorating the beginning of public service month, observed officially in September very Read more >

PRESS RELEASES

New CW report raises red flags, potential risks in SCM processes

NOTE (12 November 2021): In October 2021, Corruption Watch (C) released its first Procurement Watch Report on Procurement Risk Trends. It reported on trends emerging from data published by National Treasury on various aspects of public procurement, notably deviations from procurement procedures, contract variations and restrictions of suppliers. The report has now been updated and Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

CW releases public procurement analysis report, compiled with new online tool

NOTE (12 November 2021): In October 2021, Corruption Watch (CW) released its first Procurement Watch Report on Procurement Risk Trends. It reported on trends emerging from data published by National Treasury on various aspects of public procurement, notably deviations from procurement procedures, contract variations and restrictions of suppliers. The report has now been updated and Read more >

RAISING AWARENESS

Municipal Structures Amendment Act to commence on 1 November

The Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Act will commence on the same day that local government elections take place. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed, on 7 October, a notice which was gazetted, informing South Africa that “Under section 39 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Act, 2021 (Act No. 3 of 2021), I hereby determine 01 November 2021 as the Read more >

OPINIONS

No sustained youth development without transparency and accountability

Corruption is never beneficial – except to a self-serving few – but it adds an extra, unwanted challenge to those already facing South African youth, writes Mzwandile Banjathwa, Corruption Watch’s project coordinator. Unemployment is one of the biggest concerns, but when the very agencies that are tasked with helping young people gain skills and find Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Digital Vibes saga shows importance of transparency, access to information

There is nowhere left to hide for former health minister Zweli Mkhize, his former deputy director-general Anban Pillay, and a number of other senior health department officials. With the eventual release of the 101-page report into the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) probe into the Digital Vibes, their corruption and lies are out in the open.  “This was done in the interest of fairness and in terms of the Promotion of Read more >

FEATURE

CW’s pocket guide to understanding local government

Local government elections are set to take place on 1 November 2021. These happen every five years, and it is important that citizens cast their vote to ensure they get the best representatives. However, it is equally important that all citizens have a good understanding of the structures and functions of local government, and to Read more >

CORRUPTION NEWS

Int’l Day for Universal Access to Information: the right to know

 “Access to reliable information saves lives. Misinformation and rumours can cost them.”   This is the message from Unesco director-general Audrey Azoulay today, on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, proclaimed at the Unesco general conference in 2015 and celebrated annually on 28 September.   This simple lesson is one we have learnt to Read more >